Deputy Director for Budget and Finance Services

The Department of Management and Finance (DMF) is the largest department in the OSCE Secretariat and is responsible for managing the material and financial resources of the Organization. It provides policy guidance on the management of OSCE financial and material resources and develops and maintains OSCE Financial Regulations and Rules and Financial Administrative Instructions. DMF consists of Budget and Finance Services, Mission Support Section, Information and Communication technology section and the Information Security and Coordination unit. 

Under the guidance of the Director, DMF, these sections provide services and expert advice in the areas of budget, finance, information and communication technology, information security, procurement, travel, assets management, building management, and internal control. DMF directly supports the Secretariat and also provides policy guidance and support to institutions and field operations, including the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.

The Budget and Finance Services section consists of the Accounts Unit, Budget Unit, Treasury Unit and the Extra-Budgetary Contributions Unit. It is responsible for co-ordinating and supporting the programme planning and budgeting process, including providing advice to relevant stakeholders. Beyond the traditional accounting/ finance and budgeting functions, this section interacts with the participating States, mainly through the Advisory Committee on Management and Finance. Other critical interactions include communicating with extra-budgetary donors. The section provides administrative leadership throughout the OSCE in functions as diverse as system development, organizational policy development, internal controls, employee engagement and governance. The section and the Deputy Director are located in the Secretariat but provide support to OSCE institutions, field operations and related bodies. Seventy percent of the OSCE budget is allocated to 3 Institutions, and 17 field operations.  As well, the section supports elements of the Secretary General's agenda to make the OSCE "fit for purpose".

The OSCE Gender Action Plan is committed to increasing the number of female staff in all areas of the OSCE's work. Currently female staff in the DMF, especially in management roles, are underrepresented. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this management opportunity.

Under the direct supervision of the Director for Management and Finance, the Deputy Director for Budget and Finance Services will have a key role in providing authoritative guidance to senior managers and administrative staff on budgetary and financial matters e.g. policies, procedures, systems and control, and ensuring their implementation OSCE-wide.

More specifically, she/he will be tasked with:

1. Managing the OSCE-wide budget activities by producing and facilitating the preparation and distribution of key budget documents such as the annual Unified Budget, the annual financial statements and other budget cycle related instruments;
2. Monitoring staff standard costs across the Organization;
3. Controlling the budget implementation and revision, and ensuring their compliance with the financial regulations;
4. Managing the OSCE-wide finance activities by assisting the Director of DMF in the formulation of strategies for the implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and related accounting policies; 
5. Providing guidance on financial management practices and procedures; planning and organizing the work of the budget, accounting, treasury and extra-budgetary units with the objective of providing meaningful financial information to senior management and participating States;
6. Co-ordinating correspondence with all OSCE locations, delegations and donors on financial issues related to accounting, treasury and extra-budgetary matters;
7. Reviewing and approving financial reports including the Consolidated Annual Financial Statements and replying to internal and external audit observations;
8. Providing financial advice and support to the Investment Committee and to the Provident Fund Committee;
9. Assisting the Advisory Committee on Management and Finance (ACMF) on all budget and finance matters and providing support and assistance to the Committee as required;
10. Acting as primary liaison between the OSCE and the External Auditors;
11. Performing other related duties as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see http://www.osce.org/secretariat.

• Second-level university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, economics, finance and related subjects; a first-level university degree in combination with two years of additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree;
• Membership and certification from an internationally recognized accountancy body is an advantage;
• A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience at a senior management level, preferably in a governmental or international organization;
• Solid knowledge of the practical application of financial management and programme budgeting theories and demonstrated technical knowledge of IPSAS;
• Established ability to advise on policy issues and formulate plans and procedures demonstrating resourcefulness, initiative and maturity of judgement as well as excellent analytical abilities, negotiation and decision making skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; fluency in any other OSCE language would be an asset; 
• Ability to operate Windows applications, including word processing and email; familiarity with major accounting, budget and finance computer systems and ERPs;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds whilst remaining impartial and objective.

• Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals
• Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions
• Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work

• Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization
• Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment
• Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner
• Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions
• Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects
• Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment
• Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them
• Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 8,855, depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Appointments are made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies.  

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/states.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 5 years.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.